Improvement in sample-frames for merchants



J.'S.MONROE erchants S ample FT ame No. 118,380. Patented 'Aug. 22, 18.71. Fig.1,

INVENTOR.

PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN S. MONROE, OF MITCHELL, INDIANA.

IMPROVEMENT IN SAMPLE-FRAMES FOR MERCHANTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 118,380, dated August 22, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN S. MONROE, of Mitch ell, Lawrence county, State of Indiana, have invented a new and useful Sample-Frame for Merchants.

This invention relates to a device which has been designed for the purpose of exhibiting samples of dry-goods and other articles; and the improvement consists of a frame which is divided into a number of compartments, each of which is intended for the reception of a single sample, that is maintained in position by means of suitable springs, clips, or holders.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sampleframe embodying my improvements, it being shown with the back board drawn partially out. Fig. 2 is a vertical section through a portion of the frame with some samples in position, and Fig. 3 is a horizontal section through a portion of the frame.

The frame proper consists of a bottom, A, two sides, B B, a top, 0, and a back board, D, which latter is secured to the piece 0, but is capable of sliding within the grooves a and b b. The back board D is attached to the top piece 0 by screws or otherwise. The bottom A and sides B B are united together by vertical rails E and horizontal ones F, which rails may be of any desired number and any suitable shape and dimensions. These rails serve to divide the frame into a num ber of compartments, G, for the reception of the samples, which are retained therein in the following manner: The rear portions of the rails E F are provided with double rabbets, as shown at c e and f f, and the edges of the samples H are slipped under said rabbets; and any accidental displacement of the sample is prevented by means of springclips I, which are attached either to the rails E or F, or to both. The top 0 of the frame is attached to the sides B B by screw-eyes J, which also serve as a means for suspending the frame.

The back board D is inserted in the grooves 11 b and shoved down until the lower edge of said board reaches the bottom of groove a ,,at which time the top 0 is brought to bear against the sides B B, when the screws J are inserted and the members A B B O of the frame are screwed together. The sprin g-clips I are now sprung back and the samples H are shoved under them, and their edges inserted in the rabbets e e and ff,

after which the springs are released and allowed to press against the face of the samples, so as to maintain them in their proper position. All of the compartments are filled with samples in this manner except the central one, which is intended for the reception of the merchants or agents name and address. Whenever it is desired to take out an old article and put a fresh one in its place it can be done by simply springing up the clips I, withdrawing the old sample, and slipping the new one in its place but should it be desired to replenish the entire frame, it will be more convenient to take out the back D and allow all of the samples to drop from the frame.

In the drawing the frame is shown as being made double, so as to admit of its being inspected from both sides; but it is evident that the frame may be single, if preferred, and a greater number of compartments can be employed than is here shown. This frame will be very useful for hanging up in drygoods stores for exhibiting specimens of prints, 850., or it can be made light and portable enough to be carried around by traveling agents.

The removable top and sliding back board can be omitted, if preferred; and in case the frame is not double, it will be better to secure said v board direct to the back of the frame.

I claim as my invention- 1. A merchants sample-frame, consisting of the members A, B, B, C, D, E, F, and J, all arran ged and adapted to be employed substantially as herein explained.

2. In combination with the devices A a, B B, b b, E F, and J, the removable top 0 and slid ing back board D, for the purpose set forth.

In testimony of which invention I hereunto set my hand.

JOHN S. MONROE.

Witnesses:

GEO. H. KNIGHT, J AMES H..LAYMAN. 

